Clark Girls

1. Jamaican donkey.
2. Everyone in front of a part of the falls
3. Our boat
4. Hell
5. Enjoying a pre-dinner cocktail!

1. Me, holding a baby turtle! They flap their flippers all over so you have to massage them under their neck to calm them. So presh-- this is Squirt from Nemo.
2. Jacie @ Hell
3. Us with a stringray on our head! We were freaking out! But it was soo awesome!
4. A bunch of the stingrays in the water.
5. on the boat to grand cayman!

1. One night before Dinner
2. Stephanie & I in sunny Key West
3. Pretty much our whole room!!!!!!
4. Jacie, Stephanie and Mary Connell strutting their stuff!
5. MC on the slide!

Hey my little lovelies! I am sooooo sad to have been away from you for so long. But let me just say that I have spent a few moment catching up on the blog and each post was amazing! Now, a little about me... or a lot! We drove through the night on Saturday to make it to Ft. Lauderdale on Sunday morning. We were pretty immediately able to get on the ship, but not into our rooms so we had to layout in our clothes for awhile. The ship was ginormous, but our room was tiny, but we def made it work. And the best part about having an interior room is that it is pitch black and perfect for sleeping! Like a little cave, we were def leo on the titanic.

After departing on Sunday we cruised south and woke up in Key West on Monday. It was a beautiful day and we were eager to jump ship and check out what was on shore. A few of us had been to Key West before so we did not book an excursion, but we did decide to rent scooters. It was absolutely way toooo much fun. You could tell the guy who was renting them to us did not expect us to come back in 1 piece! But luckily we did. We rode our scooters around the Island, past Hemingway's house and the Southernmost point of the Continental US. Then we found a scenic route that took us along the white sandy beaches so it was absolutely beautiful. We decided to stop back by the beach and layout in the sun for a few hours before hopping back on the scooters for some more joy riding. At the beach we also saw our first Speedo sighting-- JOY! Always a fat guy! After having to consult the map to make it back to where we rented the scooters from we got back on the ship and got ready for din din!

Tuesday was a day at sea! We were up on deck at 9 and already most of the sun chairs were taken! UNBELIEVABLE! So after searching we found some and went down to breakfast real fast. We got back out to our chairs and after a couple of hours turned it because it began sprinkling. We were still behind on our sleep so we took a massive 4 hour nap, and apparently, the sun did come back out, but we missed that! We def needed it though!

Wednesday we woke up in Grand Cayman! We had to ride little boats in to shore from the ship because the water there is too shallow for our giant ship. Then we got on a bus that took us to another boat! This boat drove us out to a sandbar in the middle of the ocean. There are a ton of stingrays on this sandbar (they call it stingray city) that they have been feeding for decades so they are extremely friendly and love people. So we hop in the water and snorkel with the stingrays and pet them and play with them! I will admit I was a little scared at first (I was giggling nervously!) but I warmed up to them pretty fast and soon I was swimming after them! Stephanie and Jacie were a little more on the frightened side! We all kissed the stingrays because it is apparently 7 years good luck! At Grand Caymen we also hit up a giant sea turtle farm (the biggest on is over 500 lbs!) and got to hold little babies! We also went to see a place called Hell! It is a rock formation that is supposed to be what Hell looks like and you can send postcards and whatnot from there, def a tourist trap! But cool. Apparently the rocks used to be submerged in the ocean!

Thursday we arrived in sunny Jamaica! It was absolutely beautiful. Mountainous and very rainforesty. We got off the ship here and went to Dunn's River Falls, which is a 950 ft. cascading waterfall that we climbed up with a tour guide. The whole group had to hold hands because there are parts that are hard to get to without having someone help pull you up! It was very fun and very adventurous! We absolutely loved it and the water was really refreshing. Then we headed to the Bamboo Beach Club which offered us endless jamaican food (which was very good) and drinks which were so bad that none of us could even stand to choke them down! ugh! Unfortunately, the typical spring breakers next to use were ordering trays and trays of this rum punch! Needless to say, the guys in front of us on the bus ending up vomiting all over on the way back and getting vomit on Jacie's feet. It was all Mary Connell and I could do not to completely go off on these 2 major jerks! ugh! But on the positive side, the beach was absolutely beautiful and weather was fabulous.

Friday was our last day at sea and we layed out in the sun from 8a-4p and it was pretty all day long. We just enjoyed the ship and enjoyed ourselves! Every night we had dinner at the same table with some girls from Georgia who were also on Spring Break, they were nice but we mostly kept to ourselves. We also did Karaoke most of the nights, either watching and making fun of everyone or singing! Of course I sang and my friend Stephanie did as well after a large dose of liquid courage. It was a lot of fun especially the people watching. The singers ranged from awesome to absolutely awful or absolutely wasted! They had a really cool piano bar where everyone gathered around the piano and sang all the classics which was a lot of fun. We had a few conga lines and of course did all the best dances Cha-Cha-Slide and Electric Slide as well as the macarena! All in all it was a great trip, but I am def glad to be home with my boys!!

Here is a little teaser ladies!! I just got back to Nashville and I just wanted to say hi before I have a major post! And here are a few pics as a teaser!!

I wonder if Mike would wear this? Ahhhh, I would loooove it.

http://fleetwoodmac.com/
They are not coming to INDY though. They are going to St. Louis though. maybe they will add INDY!

http://discovermagazine.com/photos/01-each-grain-of-sand-a-tiny-work-of-art

http://www.sandfantasy.com/videoclips.htm

click on video clips
click on youve got a friend
double click to enlarge
sweet.

I think it's prettimous! And, by the way, I am stuffing envelopes today so I am probably over bloooooging, sooooorrry, and I have a bunch of new pictures here. It's like the blogging perfect storm! Watch ooouuuttttt!
Doesn't it look like Narnia? Where's Mr. Tumnous? How bout' some turkish delight?

LOVE THE BARBIE DOLL HAND!

I need your address!!!!!!!!!!!

Wish I had more time to type more but gotta go!

Love to all!

Sniffer McWhiff

This Sunday at church Michaela and Conner are going to be dedicated. (Like, you are too young to really claim you are a christian but I'm your Mom and I am a Christian so I am going to have the Pastor dedicate your little souls to Jesus until you are old enough to do it yourself.)And they will be presented with Bibles (they don't know that part) and they will be added to the Church roster as Junior Members. How awesome is that? It's awesooommmeeee.(sing)So, it will be wonderful to behold, come see! Church is at 10:30 if you care to join~

This is what's on my mind today.
I need to go to the chiropractor, I picked up a bunch of heavy boxes here at work and now my neck is out of wack

When does Tori get back??

I brag to people all the time that my sister is the director of the F&P Show. And I sound just like Mom when I say it, but I don't stop. I don't think I put my nose in the air a little when I say it, but I might, I just might.

I wonder what Sheba Reba and Moxy Loxy are doing.

Conner's bus driver is nice.

I wish I'd invented the glue stick, it's so awesome!

This morning when i was walking the dogs people in my neighborhood waved and smiled at me in a knowing way as if to say your dogs are cute. They usually aren't sooo friendly towards me. And it reminded me of walking Kiki's Dogs in Tennessee at the park. Tori was right but this time the dogs are actually mine. I'm not a poser anymore. But I am kind of a poser still because I am married to the dog whisperer and he gets all the credit for finding, bringing home, training the dogs. I just walk them and pet them. Mike is in tune with them on a whole other dimension. But I look good walking them so that counts for something, so I still am a poser, whatevvvs.

I'm thirsty.

My pants are too tight around the middle, sloshy sloshy.

That's all I got in my noggin' right now, nothing too deep and that's alright by me.

Shirley, (I'm proud to be an American) Did not make it through to the next round. Also, Sarah, the one who walked up to me and said she spent three hours on her hair in the bathroom (remember her?) I don't know what she sang but I think she forgot some of her words. Oh,wait, maybe she sang Pat Benatar, love is a battlefield? She's eliminated as well. Down to ten and next week is Madonna and any song of your choice. So everyone sings two songs. I have no idea what Mike will do for a Madonna song........Anybody?

Okay, so My kitchen is haunted!!!! And Mike is making a scary face too! We were all in the kitchen, the whole family and the dogs! mooky monsers.

Mike made it through to the next round of American Icon. Jorge did not make it through on American Idol though. So, now I like the guy who sang Human Nature and played the piano. I think his name is Matt and I think he may have been a wild card?

Haven't heard yet who all made it through to the next round of karaoke crazy town aka American Icon. I have like 100 new friends and I've invited them all to my house for a hootenanny sometime. Oh yes I did. Because I love everyone, especially when I'm drinkin'!

I just got the most fabulous email from my friend Emily, she is in Australia! I will blog about it tomorrow if I can. I'm altogether too BUSY, I need time to ruminate on things, stare out the window, BLOG! ahhhh..

Well, here's the deal. Our lovely lady Queen LaSheba is NOT preggers as earlier suspected. I guess it's a good thing but I had visions of puppies dancing in my head that I need to replace with something else....You'll be the first to know.

I think that when I picked Sheba up from the vet today she hugged me. Not EVEN kidding!

And Mike said that when he went to pick up Moxi after her little getting fixed surgery she was laying on the gurney and when he walked in the room she reached out her paw to him. PUPPY LOVE!!!!!!

I hit the ground running this morning, girls, after a late night out. I spent all morning running errands and was driving all around this town for like five hours. I thought, five hours! I could be sitting at the bar at Tootsies drinkin' a brewski in five hours! Next time we go to Nashville can we all go to Tootsies for a beverage? A whole bunch of us? I love Tootsies and I think that sound like jolly good fun!
The Indiana peeps could meet the Tennessee peeps at Tootsies! And we should do it during the afternoon so it's not so crowded and then we should all go buy cowboy boots and hats and then we could go to the Country Music hall of fame and we should shoot a video all the while and then crop it and play Alan Jackson's, She's gone country while the video is playing. She's gone country, look at them boots!

Hey chickees! I'm taking a break from vacuuming and laundry to say hello! Well I darkened my hair a bit, needed a few lowlites. A little red, little brown, and of course still the blonde! Abby had a cavity filled yesterday and that was not fun! My poor baby! :( Ty got a new pair of green low-top tennis shoes and is lookin' studley! And Bry continues to take my trash out and get my mail for me....YES! Abby got another At on her spelling test and is loving to read these days! I'm thinking it's a hamburger helper night tonight! Then Idol time! Woohoo! Go Danny, go danny, it' s your birthday! Went and saw Poppy yesterday and he looked so handsome in his pink sweater and hair combed perfectly of course! I got a big kiss from him! Abby and I went over there to have lunch before her cavity and he looked great! Then I passed him with mom and dad later that afternoon in the car going to town on his peanut buster parfait@! Love that! I went into work today and had a cancellation first, then a no show, and then 2 haircuts. Woooooh! Big money day for me today! Viva is now very clean and paperwork caught up! Heard that Uncle mike did very well last night at his contest! Mom and dad went and said he would definitely move on next week! GO MIKEY! Well, back to cleaning! Love to all! Does anyone else miss Tori? She needs to get back soon! I'm sure she's having a blast!

Til next time America, take care of yourself, and each other.............
(who can name the host that always says that?)

Well, Conner got off the bus and was amazed to see The Queen of Sheba there waiting for him. So, Sheba, Conner and Stevie all took off for a ride to go pick up Kayla from track (surprise!) And go pick up a leash and a collar. Tomorrow Queen LaSheba (OHHHH that's good!) has an appointment at the salon to bring out all of her potential fluffiness! It's good to be the Queen....puppies,how long do puppies take?

The Queen of Sheba
& Moxi Lady
I just thought of their full names and thought it was so funny I had to POST IT!

Mike brought Sheba home this afternoon. Steph will be surprised when she gets off the bus. I wish I could be there. Sheba is pregnant. So we are only her foster family for now until after the pups are born. PUPPIES!!!!!!!!!!!!! Moxi is still at the Humane Society, she is being fixed and can come home tomorrow. Sheba & Moxi met in the pound and Sheba was dominant. But, Sheba is very submissive with humans. They are both very intelligent but both will want to chase squirrels, that's where Kayla and Conner come in. HAHAHAHA Get it? So, a great adventure lies ahead! Mike was the hero for the day adopting both Sheba & Moxi. Stephanie wanted her to have a biblical name and found a story about the Queen of Sheba in Genesis. And I wanted one of them to have a Lonesome Dove name and there's and Indian named MoxMox or Moxi for short in one of the Lonesome Dove books. Steph just called and she's over the moon! Sheba was in the kitchen waiting for her. Beeb's might even come by to see her later. I want to go home to see her. Sheba has one blue eye and one brown eye. She has longish white fur with a carmel colored spot on her head. She has a gray patch on her back with black spots in it. She's pretty remarkable looking. I hope she's as nice as she seems. She's part Australian Shepard so she's a Cowgirls dog. And we all know I'm a Cowgirl~at heart.

we will have to keep this blog going without tori, she will be upset if we don't blog while she is in the caribbean. i like the name MOXI very foxy ..cb

Marlboro Man took this picture.
See the buildings far off in the distance?
That is their farm house and barn.
This land is where they grow wheat grass.
This is not the ranch where they live.
This picture makes my heart leap.
I want to ride a horse across the pasture at a fast gallop and when I get to the barn I will make a fast stop by pulling back on the reins and saying something like whooooaaaa! And then I will jump off athletically and a cloud of red dust will billow around us. I forgot to mention the sound of beating horse hooves as we gallop, and the wind on my face.
That's as far as I got.
Why do I think I'm a cowgirl? I'm nothing like a cowgirl. But I have the heart of a cowgirl and I don't know why.

Let's see...
1. I had a glorious weekend!
2. I think Mike is picking up the dog today. I think we will name her Moxi. I told him I was very nervous about it but would follow his lead. He is very confident that this is a good thing.
3. There were two other dogs at the pound that we want as well, long story, must do some work, will explain later if I can.
4. I just HAD to write something because there haven't been any posts in a while and I couldn't bear it.
5. Kayla came home from her Moms last night and said that She is planning on selling vegetables by the side of the road this summer because her Mom needs money. Not kidding.
6.I have a ton of things to do at work today and must begin doing them in 2 minutes.
7. I made a pot roast this weekend. It was pretty good, not perfect though
8.I ate three bran muffins and felt like someone punched me in the stomach all night.
9. I worked in the garden!
10.Tonite is Karaoke, he decided on Small Town.
Well, I could keep going!
ohhhh, wait
11. Stephanie is is VERY excited about the dog, Conner wrote Mike and I a note this morning about how he needs to step up and help out more around the house and how thankful he is to have us as parents.
12. I am living in a house full of con-artists!
13. Moxi? Yes or No?
14. Or do you like Pepper or Jett better?
15. I listened to Panic at the Disco on the way to work this Morning. I like them pretty well.
16. I still listen to Jack Johnson almost every weekend. (His first album)
17. good bye for now~

So this is crazy... I was reading in People today about the different dresses all the chic ladies wore to the Oscars. Miley Cyrus's dress weighed 12lbs! Anne Hatheway's dress was 15 lbs and Jenn Aniston's dress was 10lbs! I cannot even imagine. Makes me wonder how much my wedding dress weighed because that is probably the heaviest thing I have ever worn?

CONS
poop&pee
$food
vet
grooming
shedding
home all day alone in a crate?
no fence
when you pet it your hand smells bad
bad breath?
worms and fleas
traveling/boarding costs
PROS
cute
it would make the children happy?
soft

http://snarkerati.com/movie-news/

So, it's a puggle as you can ascertain from the earlier post. I welcome any input from y'all! The names Pearl and Gus are of coarse Lonesome Dove inspired but we are still taking suggestions. We will go see her at the pound this weekend and since Mike dropped her off he has first dibs on the little fella'.

One of the popular designer breeds of dogs is the Puggle. A brilliant cross between a Pug and a Beagle. The breed combination is quite interesting, since the two original breeds are very different from each other to begin with. Pugs and Beagles, bred together, bring out complementary qualities of each breed.

Puggles generally stand about 13-15 inches high at the shoulders and range from 15-30 pounds. Because Puggles are not yet pure bred dogs, their looks can be quite different from dog to dog. One benefit of the Puggle vs. the Pug is, because of their longer legs, eye socket size, and less effusive wrinkles, puggles often avoid many difficulties with eyes, joints, and skin wrinkles common to pugs. Puggles also have much fewer problems with heat stroke than pugs and are able to walk and exercize in a much more normal capacity.

Another great benefit to owning a Puggle is that they are very low maintenance dogs. Puggles generally only require minor grooming, although, they do tend to shed somewhat. An occasional bath, nail clipping and ear cleaning is all they need.

Puggles are VERY mild mannered dogs, but can also be quite playful. They have the ability of making great lap dogs. Puggles need short walks and tend to tire quickly and enjoy their naps. Because of this, they are excellent dogs to have as indoor house pets. Puggles do not tend to bark and howl like most beagles do, which makes them more quiet than traditional beagles.

Mattel has just spent $30 million opening a “House of Barbie,” in Shanghai. The House of Barbie is the first Barbie flagship store and two new dolls, “Shanghai Barbie,” and her closest friend, “Cute Asian-looking Barbie friend no.233,” were created for the launch.
They serve pink martini's and there is a spa!

Well, Mike picked up a stray dog and now we are considering keeping her. We are thinking about naming her Pearly or Gussy. But . we are going to go visit her at the pound this weekend. She laid her head on Mikes lap all the way to the pound and that was that. I'm quite nervous but steph, Kayla and Conner are so excited it's hard not to get excited too. I will keep you posted.
NOW! Our little plants we planted on Sunday have begun to sprout!!!!! Conner and I saw them this morning!
We are planning on going to BeBes house Saturday night to hang out with her for the evening. Maybe work on the outside garden on Sunday although rain is forcast. We have breakfast at church Sunday morning and I am taking fruit salad. I will probably eat it all myself. I am still not eating dessert or drinking pop so that is really good. I am cutting back on starches in a major way too. I find I'm less hungry in general and feel better overall. Work is busy today so I better go. I have to string hundreds of pieces of foam fruit for our trade show coming up. We hang it on a big tree. I'll post a picture, it's big!

Even though it is overcast I am in a great mood because it was 59 degrees this morning when I woke up! So I took Mavy out on a little walk and it was glorious. Lots of little birdies flitting about and chipmunks... everyone is waking up after a long cold winter! Yay! I hope this morning walk will set the tone for the day. I am about to get ready for work and hopefully hit the tanning bed on the way! I work until 8 but I have to hurry home so I can spend some time with that cute little hubby of mine. I want to hear everyone's weekend plans!

Well, my home pedi is complete, not spa quality of course, but better than nothing! I went with pompeii purple, a classic OPI color. It is about a bazillion years old and I think it is actually my mom's that I stole from under her sink. It is called pompeii purple, but it is actually more of a hot pink, with purple undertones. I really like it because the purple is kinda metallic-y so it looks different in different lights! First, I tried an orangey-peach color that just wasn't not giving me enough POP! and then I tried The Thrill of Brazil which is a usual fav, but it is very matte and I needed something a little bit shinier. So, that is how I settled on Pompeii Purple and now my back hurts from being all hunched over. It is hard to really do quality work on your toes because they are so hard to get too! I did finish packing too! except for my makeup and a few toiletries! I am proud of myself because it all fits perfectly in the suitcase without having to stuff it and jam it in. yay. although I know I totally overpacked, but a girl's got to be prepared.

ps- I don't think the pic gives the true quality of the color. Like I said the purple shines through in specific lighting, but it gives you an idea. And I am proud of myself for spelling pompeii! Now I just need to shave and I should be cruise-worthy, but I am going to wait to do that on Saturday so I will still be fresh when I hit the deck on Sunday!

Did you hear that Jennifer Anniston does two hours of yoga every day? And Logann, did you hear her say that there are no villans, heroes or victims in her divorce from Brad? See? You don't have to be mad at Brangelina anymore! Aren't you happy? You don't believe it, do you? Well, I had to try. I think when Jennifer finds Mr. Right you will be able to look at Brad in a new light. I am just not sure about John Mayer, just not sure.

MJ is back! First off, this video cracks me up because of all the psycho fans! I mean I love me some MJ, but these people are off the wall crazy! I can't wait to see what the concert is going to turn out like. Is it just me or is this the best Jacko has looked in awhile? I mean he looks genuinely good (well as good as MJ can get). I am not freaked out by him at all in the clip. huh.

second-- vince vaughn is engaged! 4 carat diamond for $125000 set in platinum. The lucky lady is from outside the celeb circle which is probably a good thing. I think she is in real estate.

third- this is totally wtf? Prince Charles was named Esquire's Best Dressed Man. I am not sure I agree. I can think of a 100 guys who dress better than him and first on my list would be David Beckham! I mean am I wrong here?

My cruise leaves in just 3 days! I am done with class for the day so I have to finish up some homework and packing. I also need to give myself a pedi so my toes will be look fly, although I am having trouble deciding on a color, too many choices! Tomorrow I am working from 10-8, which I don't really want to do, but then again, I called out earlier in the week and I guess it will keep me busy and my mind off of the cruise! When I get home on Friday night I am going to make my chex mix for the road, yummy yummy, & a special batch for Jake since I am abandoning him :) Saturday morning I have clinical all day, ugh, but once again, I guess it will keep me from counting the minutes until we leave for the cruise. After clinical on Saturday night we are going to hit the road! I have already made to mix cds one titled: Punk Rock Princess and the other: Beach Bum. I am trying to decide if the third cd should be a showtunes cd or a jesus/worship cd for us to listen to on sunday morning. maybe I should do both! The cruise departs on Sunday! yayayay! I better go double check my suitcase!

First I absolutely must start off saying what the HECK! Why are they are bringing Tatiana Del Toro back for the wildcard round? I mean, I know why, because she probably gives a ratings boost, but c'mon! I will be furiouso if she makes the cut. grrr. Anyway, Group 1 was still by far the best group. Group 3 was kinda whatevs. I knew Lil Rounds was going to make it and likely Scott because he has the sympathy vote and is really passionate. But Jorge? He is just kinda out there, but I will admit no one else was really any competition. Von annoys me, but he will be back for the wildcard round as well. Good news is Megan Corkrey will be back too and we all liked her!

Sorry girls, I just can't help myself. Rosie the Riveter! The girl from Kentucky! I love it!

She's adorable! And she has ties to Indiana!Love Her!

Rose Will Leigh was born on March 12, 1920 in Pulaski County, Kentucky. The daughter of Walter G. Leigh & Minnie A. Calder.

Left with two young children after her husband was killed in a car accident. She was a young widow with two children when she joined the thousands of Kentuckians who left their rural homes during World War II and headed north in search of good-paying defense jobs.

Hired in 1942 to work at Ford Motor Co.’s Willow Run plant in Ypsilanti, Mich., Monroe was not the bandanna-wearing, muscle-flexing woman in the “We Can Do It!” poster by J. Howard Miller.

That poster was made before Monroe, a widowed mother of two, was “discovered” by Walter Pidgeon, a Hollywood leading man who visited the plant. Monroe was picked for a promotional film encouraging women to join the workforce.

She was working as a riveter at the Willow Run bomber factory in Ypsilanti, Michigan when actor Walter Pidgeon arrived to make a film promoting war bonds. He asked Monroe to appear in his film. Capable and attractive, Monroe embodied the mythical Rosie the Riveter's can-do spirit.

After the war, Monroe drove a cab, owned a beauty shop and ran her own construction company in Indiana called Rose Builders. She became a pilot and lost a kidney and the vision in her left eye in a 1978 flying accident. Nearly 20 years later, her other kidney began to fail, leading to her death in 1997.

Monroe left behind two daughters, six sisters, many grandchildren and great-grandchildren — and a legacy for all postwar women.



Rosie's Obituary

`Rosie the Riveter' star dead at 77
Associated Press, 06/02/97


CLARKSVILLE, Ind. (AP) - Rose Will Monroe, whose high-profile role as "Rosie the Riveter'' in promotional films and on posters pushed women to take jobs during World War II, has died. She was 77.


Ms. Monroe, who died Saturday, was working as a riveter building B-29 and B-24 military airplanes at the Willow Run Aircraft Factory in Ypsilanti, Mich., when she was asked to star in a promotional film about the war effort. She was also featured in posters.


The role became synonymous with thousands of women who took defense industry jobs, working factory positions usually held by men.


"They found Rose and she was a riveter and she was the
one who fit the profile for the `Rosie the Riveter' song,'' her daughter Vickie Jarvis said Sunday. "So she happened to be in the right place at the right time and was chosen to be in some of these films.''


Ms. Monroe was born in Kentucky's Pulaski County and moved to Michigan during the war. The Encyclopedia of American Economic History credited the "Rosie the Riveter'' movement with helping push the number of working women to 20 million in four years of war, a 57 percent jump from 1940.


Unlike many "Rosies'' who returned to the kitchen after the war, Ms. Monroe kept working. She drove a taxi, operated a beauty shop, and started her own home construction firm in Indiana called Rose Builders.

Ms. Monroe's other daughter, Connie Gibson, recalled going with her mother to see the Goldie Hawn movie "Swing Shift'', about a woman working alongside men in a munitions factory during wartime. In one scene, a man asked a female colleague to get a left-handed wrench.


"Mother laughed at that because she remembered the men doing that to the women in the factory, thinking they were too dumb to know the difference,'' she said.

This is actually titled Rosie the riveter. OMG! Look at her ARMS! Heiken schmeiken!Anyway,the poster below was a promotional piece done by a graphic artist for Westinghouse. She became Rosie later but was not originally painted for that purpose.
WIKIPEDIA says:Rosie the Riveter was most closely associated with a real woman, Rose Will Monroe, who was born in Pulaski County, Kentucky in 1920 and moved to Michigan during World War II. She worked as a riveter at the Willow Run Aircraft Factory in Ypsilanti, Michigan, building B-29 and B-24 bombers for the U.S. Army Air Forces.

Love the Eyebrow, It's so Scarlet O'Hara of her! I love Rosie! I may have to find out more about her on Wikipedia today....

Glamour Magazine has done a spread using starlets posing as American Icons~ So here we have Rory as Rosie the Riveter. Not that I'm partial but this was the best shot of the lot! Man! I hope this girl keeps acting! She's got the Chops!

The next American Icon Contest is Monday night at 8:00 at the Fox and Hound in Carmel. Across from Clay Terrace and across the parking lot from Lowe's there is a mexican restaurant back there too. Abuelo's I think. There are twelve contestants left and the crowd votes at the end even though there are judges. I wish Tiffani and John were in it too. They would totally rule! Mike could sure use the votes if anyone can make it! And it's pretty entertaining too. Top 12! Woot!

Well not only does the Indiana Flower & Patio Show have a new look, but I have conjured up a new look for our blog as well. What do you guys think?

I had to post this because of the absolute beauty. so real and natural. she is stellar!

Mike made it through to the next round of the American Icon Contest. Next week is the
80's. He is thinking about doing Dead or Alive by Bon Jovi. Not sure though. That may be a 90's song now that I think about it. You can see pictures and videos on Fox Carmel on Facebook but you have to be their friend.

Introducing the renewed, refocused, refreshed, refined Indiana Flower and Patio Show! That's where you will find me for the next 3 weeks. I do love having my family visit my home away from home. I already have reservations from Will, Ann, and Hick for the Evening in the Garden eat and drink fest on Friday the 13th. Let me know who else can attend, it's always lots of fun...do you remember Kelly? I am also looking for volunteers to ride a bike built for 10 in the St. Patrick's Day Parade on Tuesday, March 17th. I promise lots of fun and beverages. Pat Cronin who has worked with the Flower Show for all 51 years has been bestowed the honor of being the very first female"Irish Citizen" of the year. She is grand marshall of the parade and we will be there to honor her. It's worth the trip just to meet Pat. So much like my daughter I won't have much time for bloggin' but I will keep visitin' to keep up with "My Girls". Come out out for the fun!!

THANKS FOR THE TIX TO THE SHOW BOO BOO! I'M GONNA MARK MY CALENDER AND SEE IF TANYA AND LITTLE LUCY WANT TO COME WITH ME! THANKS FOR THINKING OF ME AS USUAL!!!!!!

XOXOXOXOXO

TIFF

I was supposed to work from 11-7 today after I got out of class at 1045, but I just called in sick for the first time in my life. AHHH! I feel awful. I mean my hands were shaking and everything! And of course, I had to lie about why I couldn't come in, eek, so I feel awful. Phew! I hope I get over it soon though, so I can enjoy my afternoon filled with homework. I really have no reason except for the pressure of all my homework and my impending full schedule. Am I just awful or what?

really 3 yrs older than me.. unbelieveable...have a happy day and we will put an extra candle on johnnys cake just 4 u hick

Doesn't the title sound like I am writing you a letter from a Jane Austen novel? anyway, what is mike singing tonite? post some more pics, ok! And how is the sugar-free diet going?

sincerely,
victoria ann vieke
duchess of maverick

Now I will share about my weekend! It started out with work on Friday from 10-8, but I got to leave at 6 which was nice! Then things started to spiral out of control. Because I had some time before Mick and Dad arrived I decided to swing by the tanning bed. I get in my bed and the silly timer is not working (luckily I had not stripped yet), so I walk back out and wait for the girl to try and figure it out, but she had no idea what was going on. Anyway, I felt bad for her, all flustered and running about, and after about 10 minutes I decided to leave. I proceed to the Home Depot gas station to quickly vacuum out my car. DISASTER! I pull up and after scrounging for quarters I come up with the fare only to realize that the end piece is broken off! This is a very important piece because it keeps the vacuum from creating a complete suction! This little piece is so important I found out because I spent half the time trying to pry the vaccum off the car! UGGGH! Then, the dang thing didn't even reach to the other side but my time was running out so I didn't have time to turn the car around so my car only ended up about 25% cleaned. O well!

It got better from there because mick and dad came from a visit with mocha and Taylor's cake, which I definitely needed. We chatted around the kitchen and chowed on cake while mocha tried to eat maverick. It was quite a delight. After Jake showed off his surround sound system and record player they headed to their hotel for the night, while mocha stayed for a sleepover (probably much to her dismay). We got up in the morning and the boys came back over and we had scrambled eggs, canadian bacon (trying to be healthy) and cinnamon rolls (for mick-but i ate two) and OJ! It was delish esp with the jack daniels coffee, although mine is mostly caramel vanilla creamer. It was a dreary day, Dad helped me and Jake look around online for some houses since we are busting at the seams in our little townhouse. Then we drove around scenic smyrna checking out some houses and then Jake took us all to the airport that he works at. Dad was totally loving all the planes and whatnot and Jake loved talking about all the planes but I was bored in about 10 minutes, but luckily it was only about an hour long excursion, so I didn't have to start complaining outloud. We went to late lunch at the Rosepepper Cantina and came back to the house. We watched movies, played Wii and chatted. It was very fun, especially playing wii, Dad even beat me in bowling. Then we had to say our goodbyes!

Sunday morning I had clinical in the NICU and I got to see some very sick, but very cute babes, who were also very tiny. Unfortunately I had to come home and study for the test I had today, but I think it went pretty well! Jake and I went to the grocery and I am avoiding doing homework before we go and do our taxes (ewww!).

Oh! I forgot the most important part. Today after the test the girls and I went to Panera where I ate a whole wheat bagel with lowfat cream cheese and the MOST delicious caramel latte! YUMMY. We booked our cruise excursions and planned who is bringing what so I am super stoked!!

Although I have some bad news, my blogging may be cut back a little, but not because I want to cut back, but because I am dreadfully busy in the upcoming month. Except for the cruise, starting yesterday I will not have a day off from school or work until March 29th! Ahh, I am def not looking forward to it. And unfortunately most of those days are going to be 12-16 hour days! eek! So I am definitely going to have to enjoy my cruise time because I literally have school or work everyday (including the weekends!!!!) until nearly April. So I just have to get through this month and then I should have mostly everything out of the way except for graduation! I don't want to be a debbie downer, but I just wanted to be able to account for my absence! love you all!

Friday night I came home and there was a fire in the fire place! Kyndrick and Stevie watched Heathers. I brought home chinese food. Gayle and Fred stopped in and she made chocolate chip cookies and brought those over. She also brought Conner a dress shirt, slacks, vest and tie to wear to church. We made him try it on. It's dark navy blue with a pin stripe white shirt and red tie. We watched Paper Moon and Places of the Heart with Sally Field and Danny Glover. Oh Boy, is that My kind of movie! Does anyone remember it? It's during the depression and they start a cotton farm? Perfect friday night movie fare.
Saturday morning I went to church and re arranged the classroom to my very own needs. I love it. I put a circle on the floor with tape. That is a very Montessori thing to do but I love the circle and need it to survive. When everyone is sitting on the circle it's my favorite. I have kindergarten through fourth grade in my class. There are two other classes. pre school and then fifth grade and up. After that I went home and picked up Conner and we went and got his hair cut. Brenda, Katarina's Mom cut it.(Tiff,I tried to call you!) He got a Police academy cut. There was a guy from the police academy there and he said he wanted his haircut like Him. No more bed head for Conner for a while. He looks cute, but much older. We went to Blockbuster and to Marsh and then back home. Mike made a big pot of Chili and we watched Madagascar II and back to the future and then we watched the Secret Life of Bees.
Sunday morning we went to church and I only had two kids in my class including Conner but we are learning about Jacob in the Old Testament and he had two wives. That was fun trying to explain. This Old Testament curriculum is not easy. We have a giant flannel board with flannel Biblical figures that go on it. It's really something to see. I love how old school it is though and it's fun sticking all the people and stuff up there. We are starting a new series soon and it's hopefully more modern. Talk about Back to the Future! Anyway, Jacob married Rachel and her Sister Leah, apparently.(But he loved Rachel more) And we worked on memorizing all of the books of the Old Testament. I am learning and teaching at the same time. That's how I roll.
So, then after church Mike and I went to Lowe's and bought seeds for the garden. We came back and everyone helped plant three full trays of seeds in their little trays. It was fun! We planted veggies, herbs and flowers!We were all in the kitchen and Kyndrick was there and we were all arguing with each other about who is doing what,and how to do it,it was awesome! Except for Kyndrick, he was calm and patient. Conner was grabby and pushy, Stephanie was bossy,and Kayla needed a lot of direction. Mike just laughed and I made a big mess! It was perfect! And then Bebe came over and brought KFC! Then we watched Extremem Home Makeover.It was about a family where the Mom takes pictures of premature Babies and their families during their first few days of life. The pictures are beautiful and the woman was so sweet and the families were so touched by her photos. She does this for free because her son was premature and now he's like 5 or something. Very touching! And then we watched Silverado with a very young and CUTE Kevin Costner. Danny Glover and Kevin Cline were in in too. Well, that's pretty much it. It was a pretty awesome weekend!

Happy Birthday! I hope you have a wonderful day! You deserve it. I miss you! I'm glad you're my Sister! love, Kelly

Isn't she beautiful. Tomorrow we will celebrate Kiki's 58 (?) years of grace and beauty. I am extremely lucky to call her my auntie and I cannot wait to here a report from the Savvy weekend. She is the first born (i did not say eldest!) and she carries herself with such confidence! Kiki, you are a true inspiration!

You always take the time to say so much, now it's my turn to talk about you! I loved your list for me and I want to return the flavor!!!!!!!!!

AUNT KELLY

1. stevie nicks (duh!)
2. a peace sign
3. a beaded necklace from Zimbobway or somewhere exotic and interesting
4. a man who strums a geeeetar!
5. a pair of really wooly warm sox
6. biggest heart i ever saw!
7. an era
8. hair that should always have a hint of red cuz it suits
9. her macaroni salad (it just always tastes better when you make it!)
10. giggle sessions that make you wanna pee your pants
11. somethin to talk about
12. birthmark wrist
13. doesn't like people who talk on the phone while driving
14. great mommy
15. leather and lace
16. turquoise jewelry
17. unconditional love
18. unbelievably patient
19. cherokee indians
20. brushes and paint

Love you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!